Frequently asked questions

In this section, we'll cover some of the common questions we keep hearing with regards to who we are and what we stand for. Please browse the the sub-pages available from the above menu for further topics of interest.

What is Gaudiya Vaishnavism?

Gaudiya Vaishnavism is a religious tradition that originated in Gauda (Bengal) of medieval India. It is counted among the devotional bhakti-traditions of Hinduism, being one of the several Vaishnava traditions who hold Vishnu, or Krishna, as the supreme godhead. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is credited as the tradition's founder. His leading students, the six Goswamis of Vrindavan, systematized his teachings in their thorough writings that are the foundation of the tradition's theology and practices.

Chanting songs composed of the names and pastimes of Radha and Krishna is an integral part of the tradition's practice. Discussions on the sacred writings of the Goswamis and older texts such as the Bhagavata in the company of saints and scholars deepen the practitioner's insight. A deep, meditational life centered on the loving remembrance of Radha and Krishna is the vital force of all of the tradition's practices. Its two main centers are the area of Vraja in Northern India and the town of Navadvipa in West Bengal.

Who is Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, born in 1496 CE in Nadia as the son of Jagannath Mishra and Sachi Devi, was a moon among the stars of the spiritual revolutionaries of medieval India. Sri Chaitanya lived the first half of his life in the district of Nadia in West Bengal as a householder. In his youth, he was a great scholar – Nimai Pandit he was called. While still a youngster, he journeyed to Gaya in memory of his late father. While there, he met his guru, Ishvara Puri, and was initiated into the devotional worship of Radha and Krishna.

Due to his deep and unprecedented devotional fervor, he was soon recognized as a united avatar of Radha and Krishna, emerging as the leader of all Vaishnavas in the area. At the age of 24, he renounced the world to journey to holy places, finally settling at Jagannath Puri, where his religious ecstacies reached their summit. At the eve of his presence in this world, Sri Chaitanya merged with the deity of Tota Gopinath, never to be seen again.

Where is the Lake of Flowers?

Kushuma Sarovara (transl. "Lake of Flowers") is an old place of pilgrimage mid-way between the towns of Govardhan and Radha-kunda in the land of Vraja, some 200 kilometers south of Delhi. It is a serene and scenic place hosting an old sandstone monument built by king Suraj Malla in the mid-18th century.

The lake was once filled with blossoming flowers. According to old narrations, Radha and her confidantes pick flowers in the surrounding forests, stringing them into fragrant garlands to charm the beautiful Krishna. Narada, the ancient sage, is told to have transformed into a young cowherd maiden after bathing in the waters of this Lake of Flowers.

Who are the people behind Lake of Flowers Productions?

We are a collection of individuals from various walks of life brought together by a common desire – to delve deep into the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and, while we're at it, to make them easily available to the world at large. What good was a video clip for if you didn't share it with anyone? What good was that recording of a sweet kirtan if it ended up in the darkness of your closet? With a desire to share of the wonders we discover, the project unfolds.

Our staff consists of voluntary workers who dedicate of their precious time for the varieties of tasks a production and archival project such as ours brings along as it grows. At the moment, our routine archival tasks are fairly well covered. However, we are always in need of people who can supply material to the archive – whether regularly, occasionally or even just once. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you'd like to participate.